When I was in labour, and during my birthing classes, I was told that gas was harmless pain relief in pregnancy. But . . . it's laughing gas isn't it? I mean, if you don't use it reasonably sparingly, it deprives your brain of oxygen, that's what the 'drunk' feeling is . . . a whole lot brain cells dying at once. Is this right?
i don't know the answer babysocks, but i'd be interested to see what other people say as i've wondered the same thing. when i used the gas i felt completely 'ripped', like i was back in year 10 or something iykwim? i can't understand how this can't do any type of damage.
All i know is that it made me sick as soon as i took a "puff".
I dotn think anything can truly be "harmless".
I wouldnt have it again - a big dose of vodka would probably have the same effect on the pain! And probably less harmfull. [LOL, not that i would actually drink during labour, but im sure DF will need a few to "get through it" - he's Polish ]
They mix the nitro with oxygen because it would be pretty unsafe if it was straight- so you wont become oxygen deprived if you use it.
I'm not convinced it's really completely safe though and I'm not wanting to try it at this stage. That's also because I've personally had a lot of medical procedures and I think if I smell it it will freak me out a bit.
I have read a couple of studies that say it may not be completely safe. One claims that children born with gas used in labour are more prone to using amphetamines later in life. The other said that women who used gas alone in labour had a slightly reduced success rate at breastfeeding than those who didn't use the gas. Neither of these studies have been backed up with more support at this stage though I don't think.
I had gas when M was born. I would take a suck as the contraction began and then pass out untill the next contraction. They threathened to take it off me unless i could get my bretahing under control , but M enter the world not long after.
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Gas - really harmless?
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